A contemporary underground coal mine in eastern Kentucky was assessed in order to determine potential off-site and on-site environmental impacts associated with the mining system in the given environmental setting. A 4-section, continuous room-and-pillar mine plan was developed for an appropriate site in eastern Kentucky. Potential environmental impacts were identified, and mitigation costs determined, using an environmental assessment methodology for coal extraction systems developed by Sullivan et al., 1980 (JPL Publication 79-82). The major potential environmental impacts were determined to be: (1) acid water drainage from the mine and refuse site, (2) uneven subsidence of the surface as a result of mining activity, and (3) alteration of groundwater aquifers in the subsidence zone. In the specific case examined, the costs of environmental impact mitigation to levels prescribed by regulations would not exceed $1/ton of coal mined, and post-mining land values would not be affected. 111 FOREWORD This document is one of a series which describe systems level requirements for advanced underground coal mining equipment. These requirements are summarized in "Overall Requirements for an Advanced Underground Coal Extraction System," JPL Publication 80-39, by Martin Goldsmith and Milton L. Lavin. Five areas of performance are discussed: (1) Production cost. (2) Miner safety. (3) Miner health. (4) Environmental impact. (5) Recovery efficiency. The report which follows illustrates the methodology used to assess compliance with the environmental impact requirements. Details of this methodology may be found in "A Methodology for the Environmental Assessment of Advanced Coal Extraction Systems", JPL Publication 79-82. This work is part of an effort to define and develop innovative coal extraction systems suitable for the significant resources remaining in the year 2000. Sponsorship is provided by the Office of Mining, United States Department of Energy via an interagency agreement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.